The secrets that lie beneath the surface of Glasgow

Pictures providing an “unprecedented look” deep beneath the surface of Glasgow have been unearthed by boreholes.

The city observatory’s specialised equipment has revealed data and images hidden up to 199 metres below the city.

The network of boreholes is watching how warm water moves in abandoned, flooded mine workings under the east end and Rutherglen.

It is part of a project, which will help scientists understand the subsurface better and shed light on how mine water could be used as a renewable energy source for homes and industry.

Over the next 15 years, changes in the chemistry and physical and microbiological properties of the environment below the surface will be monitored.

The latest data includes drilling logs, hydrogeological test data and optical images taken underground.

Dr Alison Monaghan, science lead for the UK Geoenergy Observatories, Glasgow, said: “The Glasgow Observatory’s boreholes are giving us an unprecedented look into the subsurface.

“Data from underneath Glasgow can now be used by scientists around the world to close the knowledge gaps we have on mine water heat energy and heat storage.

“Mine water heat is one form of geothermal energy, and it has huge potential to help the UK decarbonise its heat supply and meet net zero targets.

“There are many cities and towns in the UK that are sitting on top of old mine workings, particularly in central Scotland, northern England and south Wales.

“While this data is from Glasgow, it will help researchers around the world better understand the subsurface.”